Mark is strongly supporting new proposals by the Labour party in the Scottish Parliament for legislation to regulate property management companies and factors.

The plans would

ensure that all property management companies and factors are registered and accredited by an independent body
introduce new standards that they will have to meet
set up a legally binding system to resolve disputes without the need to go to court which can obviously prove very expensive

Mark said:

"Labour's plans will offer essential support for home-owners here in Edinburgh. Too many people fall victim to bad companies or factors who over-charge and offer a poor quality of service and there is currently very little that people can do to resolve the situation.

The proposals aim to ensure that honest companies and factors who offer a good quality service are recognised through a properly enforced system that gives people confidence that they will receive a good service.

A voluntary scheme will not go far enough and I hope that all parties support Labour's initiative to give more power to home owners."

Mark led a debate in the UK Parliament last year on difficulties that home buyers have experienced with new build developments and constituents regularly raise with him issues such as snagging problems. To read what he said, click here.

The property management sector is one of the few industries in Scotland where there is no form of statutory regulation or consumer protection. There is little at present that people can do other than go to court which can prove both expensive and lengthy given that it may involve small claims or the main concern is to get work done as quickly as possible.

To see the motion put down by Patricia Ferguson, MSP (Labour, Glasgow Maryhill) click here.